Twins pound one out.

Scott Baker has been an absolute monster since returning from the disabled list.  Prior to last night he'd gone at least six innings in eight consecutive starts, and has yet to take a beating since his return.  While he didn't have his best stuff on Saturday night, and was indeed removed from the game before he could record an out in the sixth inning, he did a good job of keeping the Twins in the game.  Sure, that's easy to do when you're spotted a six-run lead before you even take the field, but it was a job that still had to be done.  Baker has been Minnesota's ace, and in his 10 starts the DL has logged 63 innings (seven Quality Starts) and notched a 3.00 ERA, with 58 hits, 52 strikeouts and 13 walks.  It's hard to ask for anything more from the 26-year old right hander at this point.

Of course, not having your best when your offense explodes for you is nothing short of good timing.  In Fausto Carmona's first start since his own trip to the disabled list, the Minnesota offense tee'd off.  A six-run first inning was capped by a Brian Buscher 3-run blast, and the Twins led 9-0 following another trio of runs in the top of the third.  Carmona clearly isn't himself quite yet; his first sinker of the evening was hit by Jason Kubel for an RBI single, and his first breaking ball was hit into the seats by Buscher.  Still, he's a fantastic talent, so anytime you can get him when he's weak is a good night for the team.

Sunday afternoon's game decides the series, before the White Sox come to town for a four-game mid-week tilt.

Stars of the Game

#3  Justin Morneau  (2-for-3, 2B, 2 BB, 2 R)
#2  Delmon Young  (3-for-5, 2 RBI, 2 R)
#1  Brian Buscher  (3-for-5, HR, 5 RBI, R)